Saving water in California is on everyone's mind, we hope.  Putting in drip irrigation and using lots of water-conserving techniques is no longer an option—it is a necessity.  Good old Ruth Stout's heavy mulching strategies will save much of what would evaporate without it.  Using gray water is now legal in California and just in time!  Our dear planet needs all the green we can plant, for keeping our CO2 levels from going even higher.  Plant trees and perennials whenever possible.  Green plants help the planet.  Shade from trees cools our homes, schools, animals and us.